Google for Startups Accelerator is excited to announce the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program in the Middle East and Africa. This 10-week program is designed to support Seed to Series A startups in the region that are working on technology-based solutions for climate change. The aim is to help these startups grow and scale their climate-focused initiatives.
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program is a testament to Google’s commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change by empowering innovative startups in the Middle East and Africa region.
About the program
Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change is a 10-week program designed to support Seed to Series A startups that are using technology to address climate change. The program, in partnership with Google Cloud, is specifically focused on startups in the Middle East and Africa. It offers a combination of in-person and virtual activities, 1:1 mentoring, group learning sessions, and workshops.
During the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program, participating startups will receive personalized mentoring and guidance from experienced engineers and business experts from Google and the wider ecosystem. This mentorship will be tailored to meet the specific needs of each startup’s business. In addition, startups will be paired with specialized Startup Success Managers (SSM) from Google who will provide further training on utilizing best practices, tools, and resources.
At the conclusion of the program, the cohort of startups will have the opportunity to showcase their achievements during a Demo Day. This event will be attended by Google teams, mentors, investors, partners, and key stakeholders from the startup ecosystems in the Middle East and Africa. It provides a platform for startups to present their progress and gain valuable exposure.
Even after the program ends, startups will continue to receive ongoing support through the Google for Startups Accelerator Alumni program and network. This ensures that startups can continue to access resources, guidance, and opportunities for further growth even after the program has ended.
Antonio Chidiac, the Co-Founder of Palletpal shared the value he found in the program he said “I think the crucial value add of the program is its’ ability to connect us with so many people from Google, as well as its wider global network and partnering organizations, who have helped us fine-tune our tech operations and enhance the nitty-gritty in our go-to-market approaches”. Seize this opportunity and join the world of leaders and winners.
Eligibility
Qualification for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program includes:
- Startups should have demonstrated traction, preferably between the Seed and Series A stages.
- The product or service being developed should have the potential to scale and target a significant market.
- The startup should be focused on sustainable technology climate solutions, cleantech, or green energy.
- A strong technical foundation is preferred, with the utilization of technologies like Machine Learning and AI.
- The commitment of the CTO and/or technical roles to actively participate and engage in the required program sessions is required.
Benefit
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program offers several benefits to selected startups, including:
Equity-free support: Startups participating in the program receive 10 weeks of support without giving up any equity.
Training: Gain valuable knowledge and skills in areas such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP), machine learning, product development, marketing, and leadership.
Founder Network: Connect and receive support from a community of fellow founders who are part of the Google for Startups alumni network.
1:1 Mentoring: Receive personalized guidance and support from Google mentors and industry experts, helping you with both product development and leadership.
Google product support and advice: Learn valuable tips and tricks directly from the Google team, getting insights from the experts who built the products.
Product credits: Access Google product credits that can be used for your startup’s technology stack, providing additional resources to support your growth and development.
Funding
Selected startups participating in the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program are eligible for funding through the Google for Startups Cloud Program. This funding includes:
First-year credits: The first year of Google Cloud and Firebase usage is covered with credits up to $100,000. This allows startups to leverage Google’s cloud infrastructure and services without incurring significant costs.
Second-year credits: In the second year, startups receive additional support with 20% of Google Cloud and Firebase usage costs covered, up to an additional $100,000 in credits. This helps startups continue their growth and expansion with continued access to Google’s cloud resources.
Program details
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program in the Middle East and Africa is designed to provide startups with comprehensive support and learning opportunities. Here are the program details:
Format: The program will run in a hybrid format, combining virtual and in-person activities.
Timeline: It starts with a virtual kick-off in August 2023 and concludes with an in-person demo day and graduation in October 2023.
Training: Startups will participate in virtual training boot camps, 1:1 mentoring sessions, and other curated experiences throughout the program.
Mentoring: Experienced engineers and business experts from Google and the wider ecosystem will provide personalized mentoring to the participating startups, addressing their specific needs.
Startup Success Managers: Each startup will be paired with specialized Startup Success Managers from Google, who will offer further guidance and training on best practices, tools, and resources.
Demo Day: At the end of the program, the cohort will showcase their achievements during a Demo Day. They will present their progress to Google teams, mentors, investors, partners, and key stakeholders from the Middle East and Africa startup ecosystems.
Post-program Support: After the program, startups will continue to receive support through the Google for Startups Accelerator Alumni program and network, enabling ongoing connections and resources for their future growth.
Application Information
The application form is designed to assess the suitability of startups for the Google Accelerator program.
The data collected in the form will be used to select startups for participation in the program or to notify them of future application cycles.
Startups can request an auto-generated email of the application questions by contacting accelerator-application-info@google.com with the subject line: “Application Questions Request.”
Applicant data will be shared with relevant internal parties and external vendors involved in the program’s decision-making process and operations. These vendors will handle the data based on Google’s instructions and in compliance with their Privacy Policy and appropriate security measures.
Data from non-accepted applicants will be retained for a maximum of 2 years unless a user requests its deletion before that time.
Applicants can request the rectification or deletion of their personal data held by Google for the Accelerator program by contacting accelerator-application-info@google.com. Processing such requests may take up to 14 days.
Accepted applicants who successfully complete the Google for Startups Accelerator program will have their application data stored for 7 years in an archive, with personally identifiable information (such as names and contact information) and uploaded documents removed.
Google may seek consent from accepted startups to store some company data for longer than 7 years as part of the Google for Startups Accelerator alumni, for the purpose of tracking the long-term impact of the program.
How to apply
To apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator program fill out the required information on the online application form appropriately
Timeline
- Applications open May 22, 2023
- Application deadline July 7, 2023
- Program Kickoff (Virtual) August 2023
- Accelerator Program (Virtual) August-September, 2023
- Demo Day and Graduation (In-Person) October 2023
Overview
Types of opportunity: Mentoring, workshops, Funding.
Deadline: July 7, 2023
Open to: Seed to Series A startups
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Hybrid and virtual
Organizer: Google for Startups
Country: The Middle East and Africa
Inquiry
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